April 10, 2024

PARENTS ARE THE KEY TO A CHILD’S FUTURE SUCCESS

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

MAC MEETING

NO LOAFING AROUND, THE MIXERS ARE COMING: The Marketplace Monthly Mixer (MMM) is a recurring event celebrating the Castro Valley community and offers a rotating blend of samples, specials, music, art, and activities for all ages.

CV Marketplace Monthly Mixers Debut Tomorrow

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Tomorrow, Thursday, April 11, marks the first in a series of monthly events at the Castro Valley Marketplace, where merchants will showcase their collaborative talents in food, music, art, and family-friendly activities.

Billed as the Marketplace Monthly Mixer (MMM for short) and open to the public, the event is scheduled for every second Thursday of the month between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Merchants on the first floor will offer special items such as Seven Hills Baking Company’s Raspberry Chocolate Blackout Cakes and pizza samples see MIXERS on page 11

Eclipsed by Technical Difficulties

By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

This week’s meeting of the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) was cancelled minutes before reviewing two land use items on Monday night, because the sound via Zoom kept cutting in and out.

Legally, the meeting had to be canceled as the audio would not be available to anyone following the meeting on phone or online, according to Rodrigo Orduna, the Deputy Planning Director for the Alameda County Planning Department. MAC meetings are published as available to the public in-person at the Castro Valley library, via phone dial-in audio only, or with audio and video online via Zoom.

The MAC was scheduled to discuss a possible amendment to the General Plan to tweak the zoning map to correct a land use designation for two abutting properties from Public Facility to RuralResidential. The sites in question are located at 4820 and 4848 Crow Canyon Road, south of Parkview Road. The other item on the agenda was an application for improvements to the facade of the Wendy’s at 2475 Castro Valley Boulevard.

A fast-food staple on the Boulevard since 1977, the owner wants to spruce the place up with a more modern “asymmetrical” appearance. There are also plans to re-stripe the parking lot, replace old signage, and make small interior and landscaping improvements.

Both items will go before the MAC at an upcoming land use meeting, likely on Monday, April 22.

Sidewalks Coming to Somerset This Fall

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Starting this fall, Alameda County Public Works Agency (PWA) will install 5-foot sidewalks up and down a one-mile stretch of Somerset Avenue, officials said last month. Parking will still be available on both sides of the street between Stanton Avenue and Redwood Road. However,

bicycles will continue to share the roads with the approximately 10,000 cars, buses, and trucks that use the east-west thoroughfare. A similar configuration can be found along Stanton Avenue behind Eden Hospital.

At the March 28 Unincorporated Area Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting, PWA project manager Bond Ng said the Somerset

project design is 95 percent complete following a yearlong process of public input. Public Works is waiting on access permits and feedback on the design from PG&E before relocating telephone poles and East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) pipes before reworking storm drains. Somerset Avenue is among the busiest in town, with bikes and pedestrians traveling

throughout the day. Much of the road has asphalt curbs and gutters, with varying gravel, dirt, or blacktops as sidewalks. Parked cars often encroach on the walkways to avoid getting sideswiped.

The project is moving forward after a year of discussing designs with the community, Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), the Alameda County Board

of Supervisors Transportation and Planning Committee, and BPAC.

Of the residents polled, 48 percent said they were unwilling to lose their on-street parking, leading to the current design of a 5-foot-wide sidewalk, bulb-outs at intersections, a Class III bike lane, and parking on both sides.

“Typically, sidewalk projects see SOMERSET on back page

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER

April 10 - April 14, 2024

Almanac

Moon Phases

ImageCentral Gallery’s Spring Exhibition: Springing It Back!

The Annual Spring Exhibition at the ImageCentral Gallery (formerly PhotoCentral) has bloomed once again. This exhibition showcases work from over 20+ artist from many walks of life. An eclectic group show with amazing images to match.

Come support your local Bay Area community events and art scene. Vote for your favorite image at the reception and help crown the Peoples Choice Awards! Celebrate this fun extravaganza with us, take in the imagery, meet the artists, make memories, and acquire some incredible art. There will be a public reception on Saturday, April 27 from 2 - 5 pm. The event is free and the public is invited. The exhibition runs from April 18 - June 8. The ImageCentral Gallery is located at 1099 E Street, Hayward, California. Lower gallery hours are Monday 5 pm - 9 pm, Tuesday & Thursday 11 am - 2 pm, and by appointment. Upper gallery hours are Monday - Friday 11 am - 4 pm.

“Reach” captured by Beth Zuckerman

ImageCentral offers photographic & visual arts classes, workshops, memberships and events through the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.). ImageCentral has outstanding facilities dedicated to making images come true. With a traditional darkroom & film development area, digital imaging space with scanners & large format printers, matting & mounting area, and more! For more information, contact ImageCentral at imagecentral@haywardrec.org or 510-881-6721. See ImageCentral classes and workshops or other H.A.R.D. Programs at: haywardrec.org.

Problems: An Opportunity for Growth

By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

How’s the second quarter treating you so far? For me, it’s been a time of change. And by change, I mean dealing with various problems popping up. Some changes have been good, such as finding new contracts and work, which means I need to look into hiring help. Other changes and problems haven’t

been so good in the form of hurting my back and being hit hard with allergies, which knocked me

out for a few days. The last two weeks, specifically, have been quite frustrating.

This brings me to the point for today. The thing is everybody has problems. Mine were physical, but other people may be dealing with issues in their personal relationships, work relationships, or even their relationship with themselves. Problems are part of life. However, life is not determined by who has more problems but by how we respond to those problems. You can actually grow through problems and challenges. But do you know why most of us don’t? It’s because the problem with having problems is we don’t think we should have them at all.

What does that even mean?

Typically, when I hear about a problem someone has, I’ll ask them, “What would you like to have happen?” The response would then be, “I

just want it to go away.” They want the problem to disappear without having to do anything or change. It’s actually very relatable. Every time I notice my belly in the mirror, I wish I could have a six-pack without having to work out and diet.

Is it wrong to want the problem to just go away?

Well, before I answer that, I’m reminded of a saying by Jim Rohn. It was something along the lines of, don’t wish that your problems went away, wish that you were better.

So, there isn’t anything inherently wrong with wanting a problem to go away, I just think that’s a missed opportunity to grow and improve. In my own life, I’ve found that where I have issues, I tend to have the same core weakness in my character. In my belly fat example, working out is the answer, and I could gain more strength and overall health through working out. Those are all things I would miss out on if my belly fat just simply disappeared. The reason why I don’t address it? I think I can take care of it later.

see KOO on back page

Some of the musicians who appeared in Russell City are shown in a mural at the corner of A Street and Maple Court in downtown Hayward. An inscription reads “The city may be gone but the memories live on,” above the dates for Russell City’s founding, 1853, and its destruction, 1963.

Russell City Remembered

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Some 150 people came to the Chabot Theater in Castro Valley on Sunday night, April 7, to see a screening of a film about the intentional destruction of a mostly Black and Latino community in Hayward in the early 1960s.

“The Apology” tells the story of the fight against the destruction of Russell City, originally founded in 1853, and the fight for justice for those former residents today.

In 1963, after declaring it “blighted,” the county seized the homes of 1,400 people along with a school, churches, and stores and bulldozed them to make way for an indus-

trial park. The former 200 acres of Russell City is off West Winton Avenue, which used to be called Russell Avenue.

The former residents and descendants of Russell City have hardly forgotten. They have banded together for a reunion picnic over 40 times since their displacement, though they did skip the pandemic years.

“I grew up going to those picnics and hearing people’s stories,” said Ashland resident Aisha Knowles, whose father, James, had lived in Russell City and spoke at the screening. “I wanted to make sure many more people heard them if they could when I got older, and I hoped those people could get justice in some way.”

see RUSSELL on page 11

Morrisson Theatre Chorus Concerts

The Morrisson Theatre Chorus will be presenting “Stage and Screen” showcasing music from movies, Broadway and opera. Take a trip down memory lane with favorite tunes by Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim and George Gershwin, to name a few. This popular concert will also feature performances by talented soloists. And you won’t want to miss the MTC men as they swing to “Jailhouse Rock!” Director Cesar Cancino’s musical knowledge and witty anecdotes will enhance your enjoyment. Be ready for a concert of memorable, romantic and toe tapping music.

Sheriff’s Reports

Assault at Home

Sunday, April 7: At 3:22 p.m.,

Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 29-year-old woman from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault on a family member. The woman was at a home on Mabel Avenue near Redwood Road when deputies responded to an altercation. The woman was taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Breaking and Entering, Assault with a Firearm

Saturday, April 6: at 3:30 p.m.,

Two people from Castro Valley were arrested in connection with a breaking and entering that ended with deputies stopping the pair on Castro Valley Boulevard near Center Street. Deputies report that a 37-year-old woman was additionally charged with assault and assault with a firearm. A 35-year-old man with her was additionally charged with harboring a felon after the crime was committed. Deputies took the couple to Santa Rita Jail.

Driving with a Loaded Firearm

Friday, April 5: at 2:30 p.m., Deputies pulled over and arrested a 23-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of illegal possession of a concealed loaded weapon while driving. The man was traveling on Grove Way near Dolores Street when deputies stopped him for a traffic violation and discovered the weapon in the vehicle. The man was taken into custody.

Trespassing on Private Property

Showtimes are this Friday, April 12, at 8pm and Sunday, April 14, at 2pm at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, located at 22311 N. Third Street in Hayward. For tickets, please visit: douglasmorrissontheatre. thundertix.com. For assistance call 510-881-6700. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Friday, April 5: at 4:23 a.m., Deputies arrested a 32-yearold man from Castro Valley on suspicion of trespassing on private property. The man was caught trying to break into a private hunting club on Eden Canyon Road near Hollis Canyon Road. Deputies responded to a silent alarm and were able to locate the man nearby. The man was taken into custody.

Drove Intoxicated

Friday, April 5: at 1:45 a.m., Deputies pulled over and arrested a 30-year-old CV woman on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, driving with a blood-alcohol level over the limit, and driving with an expired license. She failed her field sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Burglar Tools and Drugs

Tuesday, April 2: At 4:03 p.m., a 41-year-old CV man was arrested due to a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously charged with illegally possessing burglar tools, brass knuckles and methamphetamine drugs. Deputies stopped the man as he was driving on Grove Way near Vergil Street and served the warrant. The man was taken into custody.

She Drove Drunk

Tuesday, April 2: At 10:52 a.m., Deputies pulled over and arrested a 60-year-old CV woman on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and driving with an expired license. The woman was traveling on Redwood Road near Grove Way when deputies stopped her. The woman failed her field sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Contempt of Court, No Joke

Monday, April 1: at 9:38 p.m., A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violating a court-issued restraining order. Deputies responded to a suspicious person’s report outside a business in the Castro Village Shopping Center. There, they found the man within 100 yards of the business he was ordered to stay away from. The man was taken into custody.

Interested in Running for CV Board of Education?

Castro Valley Teachers Association (CVTA) is seeking and planning to interview candidates interested in running for the Castro Valley Unified School District Board of Education. Three of the board’s five seats are up for election in 2024, and Castro Valley teachers intend to endorse and support well-qualified candidates.

“We hope to interview and support the best possible candidates in the community to serve our students,” said CVTA President Mark Mladinich. CVTA invites potential candidates to schedule an interview by contacting Matt Johanson, chairman of the teachers’ political action committee, at matt.johanson@ sbcglobal.net.

PHOTOS BY MIKE McGUIRE

‘Anastasia’ Opens Next Week

By Terry Liebowitz

TMC Arts’ Creative Director Dayna Speed is excited to announce the opening of Anastasia, April 1929 at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward. “There are a lot of ‘FIRSTS,’ Speed enthused.

This is the first musical at the Morrisson Theater since before the pandemic and the first opportunity Bay Area audiences will have to see this Tony Award-winning musical as a full-scale production.

Don’t miss this amazing production set in Imperial Russia and the roaring 20s of Paris. With a cast of 32 actors, a live orchestra, the beautiful Alan Menkin score and luscious costumes by Ronda White, audiences will experience “the full magic of a musical.”

Anastasia is based on the 1997 animated film. The survival of Anatasia, the youngest member of the Romanov family, after the Bolshevik Revolution has long been part of Russian folklore. In this version, there is no Rasputin and Bartok the Bat. Anya (Anastasia), a Russian orphan, travels from Russia across

Europe to Paris to discover the secrets of who she once was. Though she struggles with memory loss, she keeps fear at bay and never loses sight of her self-determination.

As a mother of a daughter, Speed chose Anastasia as her first production with the Douglas Morrisson Theatre to celebrate strong women. Yes, this show has the markings of a Disney princess, but Anya is never a damsel in distress. Speed says, “It is so important to see a princess who is resilient and has a strong survival instinct. Anya is a champion. She’s a fierce princess with a positive attitude. She encourages all those around her to become better versions of themselves.” This is a grownup version of Anastasia. For tickets: Douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com or 510-881-6777.

Community Calendar

Saturday, April 13

Hayward Library Jazz & Poetry Event

Hayward Public Library’s 2nd Annual

Afternoon of Poetry & Jazz is this Saturday, April 13 at 2pm. The event will feature California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick. The program also will feature current California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, Hayward Poet Laureate Bruce Roberts, local poets Pat Doyne and Anthony Pino plus music by local saxophone virtuoso Gavin Halloran. A poetry book sale and signing hosted by Books on B bookstore follows the event.

Sunday, April 14

Practice Your English at CV Library

The Castro Valley Library offers a new conversation club each month from 2 pm to 3 pm. This month’s is April 14 from 2 to 3 pm. Improve your conversation skills by chatting with other people about everyday topics in a friendly, welcoming group. Each month’s session will feature new topics and vocabulary to practice. This program is for adult English speakers of all levels. Registration is required. Visit www.aclibrary.org.

Tuesday, April 16

Rotary Club Hosts Honorable Ed Jellen

Honorable Ed Jellen, Judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California (Retired) and past Rotary District Governor for District 5170 will speak on the transition from Bankruptcy Judge to Rotary in retirement, and other interesting topics from his time on the Bench, in Rotary and beyond. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (located at 17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at noon to 1:30pm. RSVP by 9pm Sunday, April 14, by emailing: cvrotary@iCloud.com or call 510402-5123. Visit: castrovalleyrotary.org.

Wednesday, April 17

CV Women’s Club Hosts Jeff Moore

Jeff Moore, AC Planning Commissioner and AC Planning staff are speaking at the Castro Valley Women’s Club meeting at 1PM, April 17, at the Clubhouse located at 18330 Redwood Road. Come hear what they are planning for Castro Valley and how to get involved.

Tori Speed stars as Anya in Anastasia

Early Education in Money, Future Financial Success

(NAPSI)—Good news for parents: You can help your kids learn to do well. Studies suggest a clear correlation between early education in money and future financial success.

People who learned about money as children were three times as likely to have a personal annual income of $75K or higher than those who didn’t, according to a survey by Quicken, maker of the best-selling personal finance software in the U.S.

But there’s a problem: Onethird of adults surveyed said no one taught them about money when they were children. Among that group, only 13 percent report a high level of confidence in their finances.

People who learned about money as children were 20 percent more likely to prioritize teaching their own kids about money. Those who said no one taught them about money as a child were twice as likely to delay talking to their own children about money until age 18 or older.

Teaching Tools for Financial Literacy

The top tools—allowance, savings accounts, piggy banks—may not have changed much, but the lessons have evolved. Today, parents are teaching their children about charitable giving 60 percent more than their own parents did, using credit cards as teach-

Set Clear Boundaries with Screen Time

People who learned about money as children were three times as likely to have a personal annual income of $75K or higher than those who didn’t.

ing tools almost 50 percent more, and teaching their kids about investing 85 percent more than the people who taught them about money.

Money Talk Tips

To help your family discuss finance, try these three ideas:

1. Set an example. If you’re an example of financial responsibility, your kiddos will be more likely to follow.

2. Use tools. The right tools

can make a big difference. The survey showed that 62 percent of the people who do not use any personal finance tools also reported a lack of confidence in their current financial situation.

3. Talk early and often. An early start and frequent conversations about money can be key to setting your kids on the path to a healthy financial future.

Does Your Child Suffer from Anxiety?

(NAPSI)—If your children are like most, they get anxious from time to time—but you can help them get over it.

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), even with the best parenting, 80 percent of little ones feel that unpleasant emotion.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can help.

For one thing, the NIH suggests parents of younger children can help them “come back to earth” from spiraling thoughts with the 3-3-3 rule: Ask your child to name 3 things they can see, identify 3 sounds they can hear, and move 3 different parts of their bodies.

For another, one of the most anxious times for little ones is at bedtime. Scary things and worries flutter and flap around, making it hard to sleep. A calming nightly routine, including reading to your children, however, lets them settle down for the night.

According to the Children’s Bureau of California, reading to your child at bedtime builds trust in them that you will be there for them. With a little imagination (and a lot of love) you can create a cozy nest for happy thoughts—and sweet dreams for your kids. One excellent new picture book that can help with that is “My Thoughts Have Wings,” by

Maggie Smith. The bestselling author delivers a lyrical and reassuring book great for calming active minds at bedtime (or anytime).

The poetic book was inspired by Smith’s own daughter who dealt with intrusive thoughts at night. It’s a fine way for children to recognize and name unsettling thoughts and provides an empowering, reassuring strategy for self-soothing.

The colorful hardcover is aimed at children from preschool through grade 3, published by HarperCollins and available wherever books are sold. For further info., visit www.harpercollins.com.

(NAPSI)—In many families, parents worry about the amount of time their kids will spend online during time off from school but there are ways to address those concerns.

The same concerns occur to many parents as they look at their kids, eyes glued to their screens: “What exactly are they doing? Are they safe? Am I supervising them enough?”

“These are questions many parents ask, particularly when the kids are home from school and have more time on their hands,” said Tami Bhaumik, Vice President for Civility at Roblox. “Understandably, there are a lot of parents who just aren’t as familiar with the online world as their children are. They want their kids to have fun online, but they also want them to be safe.”

According to Bhaumik, there are simple things that parents can do to by building digital literacy skills that will support them for the long term.

“Parents want to gain a better understanding about their children’s online experience, but many aren’t sure where to start or what information to trust,” said Dr. Michael Rich, founder and director of Boston Children’s Hospital’s Digital Wellness Lab (who worked with Bhaumik and Roblox, along with 100 global safety experts, researchers, and clinicians to author the white paper “Creating a Positive Foundation for Greater Civility Online Spaces”).

The good news is that parents are not alone and there are a number ways to create an enriching, healthy online experience for your kid:

Open Communication: Foster an open and non-judgmental line of communication with your children from a young age. Encourage them to share their online experiences, friends, and concerns with you.

Stay Informed: Check out the latest online trends, apps, and games. Understanding the digital landscape will help you guide your children effectively.

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Use Parental Controls:

Implement parental control settings on devices and apps to customize protections around access to age-appropriate content, privacy protections, and spending limits.

Explore Together: Engage in your children’s online activities. Play video games with them, explore educational apps, and understand their social media platforms. This shared experience can strengthen your bond and allow you to guide them effectively.

Balance Screen Time:

Recognize that not all screen time is bad. Ask your children which online experiences make them feel happy or connected and make a plan together that encourages this meaningful screen time in balance with other activities.

Be a Good Role Model: Not using your devices at the dinner table, putting your phone down when speaking with your children, and not taking your phone to bed are great ways to demonstrate healthy use of tech.

Monday, August 26

Anita “Kit” Thompson

510-459-5357 kittyanikreativ@gmail.com kittyanikreativ.com

Not All Upgrades Make You Money

With Bay Area home prices stretching the bounds of credulity, a high percentage of buyers expect the home they purchase to be move-in ready. As a result, sellers

commonly upgrade their homes prior to hitting the market. Under normal circumstances, money spent on upgrades will be money earned at the sale – if the projects are carefully considered and professionally executed. Unfortunately, some seller upgrades do not

reap the anticipated returns. To avoid spending money needlessly, here is our list of “upgrades” you are better off not doing.

1. Installing an inground pool. While a pool might be a beneficial asset in hotter regions, many bay area homebuyers do not want a pool, considering them hazardous and energy draining. We’ve actually had buyers ask us for quotes on removing pools.

2. Unprofessional upgrades. While some homeowners are skilled enough to handle repairs and upgrades, many are not. Money spent on professionals will reap dividends in the end while poorly done projects quickly turn off potential buyers.

3. Wall-to-wall carpeting. Today’s buyers prefer solid surface floors such as hardwood or laminate. They are easier to keep clean, wear better and do not trap dust like carpets. If budget is an issue, consider laminate in the main living areas with carpet only in the bedrooms. Do not install any carpet higher than medium grade.

4. Poor counter choices. Quartz is without doubt the most popular product these days, surpassing yesterday’s granite. While marble might be good in a bathroom, in the kitchen, one spilled glass of

cabernet is all it takes to make a stain. Neutral counter products are best and avoid low-cost granite with pattern inconsistencies or weird colors. And laminate counters are so 1980’s.

5. Luxury upgrades. Unless your home is in an extremely affluent neighborhood, overspending on high end features such as expensive plumbing fixtures will be money down the proverbial drain. You will not recoup money spent on saunas or steam showers and, if you choose to use extremely expensive tile, do not expect the buyer to appreciate it the way you do.

6. Converting the garage. While many bay area homeowners do not park their cars in their garage, they do not want it to be a bedroom or workout room either.

We recommend you get help from your Realtor in evaluating potential upgrades BEFORE you begin: they can provide guidance and keep you from making poor choices.

Carl

How to Prevent Yellow Jacket Hive from Returning

By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener

QLast year, I discovered a bee hive in some bushes. In December, I hosed it down with a high-pressure nozzle. I think I destroyed the hive, or maybe it got too cold, as I see no evidence of any activity. How can I ensure they don’t return and reestablish the hive?

AHoney Bees, Bumble Bees, and Wasps, except Yellow Jackets, are inactive during cool, wet weather, but if disturbed, they will fly around and sting. But a Yellow Jacket hive is empty or abandoned once winter arrives. In late November, the worker and male Yellow

dons the old hive and hibernates in the bark of trees and logs. So, I believe you had

nation and start looking to establish new nesting areas within the next three weeks.

ets establish hives under the ground in abandoned gopher or other rodent holes. The aboveground nests are close to structures like under the eves of a house or in ornamental bushes like junipers. The hives start slowly, reaching their peak in September/October. Yellow Jackets rarely are a problem on Memorial Day, more problematical by the 4th of July, and a considerable nuisance by Labor Day. In the fall, they’re easily agitated as mating season approaches. The hives remain active until November, when the process begins or ends again, depending on how you look at it. Your best defense against a Yellow

new or reused Yellow Jacket Traps now is the solution. With last year’s traps, I’d wash them out with warm, soapy water before adding any new attractant. Because of the very wet January and February, I expect the Yellow Jacket population to be smaller than in previous years, as many queens did not survive. But still, it doesn’t matter when you get stung.

Q AMy twenty-yearold lime tree used to produce a fair crop years ago. The leaves and bark look fine, and I fertilized them with Citrus fertilizer. There are a thousand blossoms yearly, but the limes fall off when they get about pea size. What else should I be doing to get more lines?

Fruit drop on

al for those in the ground. Irregular watering is the primary cause of the problem. The fruit drop is the response to water stress. The drought may have contributed to the problem; however, water shouldn’t be a problem this year. So, I’d construct a watering basin around the lime. It should be six to eight inches high and extend from the trunk to a foot beyond the drip line. Every time you water, you fill the basin several times. I’d water weekly once the rainy season concludes and more often when the temperatures are ninety degrees and above.

Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener.com, and questions can be sent by email

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GIVEAWAYS

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You can place a FREE “MISC. FOR SALE” ad for items $50 or less at: sanleandrotimes.com or at: castrovalleyforum.com or more info call Patrick Mon-Fri. 9am-1pm at 510-614-1560 (some restrictions may apply)

MISC. WANTED

Follow Up Prison Ministries, Int’l. is in desperate need of a car for traveling to and from the California State Prisons.Currently, our President is using his own car and is in need of relief. If you have a second car that you are not using, please consider donating it to FUMI.Hopefully, a car that gets great freeway mileage and is in good running order will meet our current needs. Your donation is tax deductible! Please contact Paul Weber, FUMI Office Manager, at 510-881-1178 for more information. WANTED - Reel to reel music tapes, Call Patrick 510-517-3351.

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April Proclaimed as Arts, Culture and Creativity Month

On April 2, 2024, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors proclaimed April as Arts, Culture and Creativity month. The Alameda County Arts Commission is excited to celebrate the 6th Annual California Arts, Culture and Creativity Month. This statewide month-

long event was first established by the California legislature in 2019 and is led by Californians for the Arts.

Alameda County believes that arts, culture and creativity are essential to our thriving community! Arts inspire discovery, lifelong learning, and joy. Culture creates

connections and strengthens community. Creativity sparks innovation and positive change. The Alameda County Arts Commission leads local efforts to advance the arts through programs, services, and the community-building initiatives such as the arts education program CREATE

Castro Valley Adult & Career Education is holding a job and resource fair on April 23 from 6 to 8 pm. Come meet employers, get information on community resources and get your blood pressure taken by our Medical Assistant students. In attendance will be Comforcare Home Care, Rubicon Programs, ChildCare Careers, Castro Valley Unified School Free Job and Resource Fair April 23

District, Pacific Homecare Services, Bridges to Jobs, Civicorps and more. The fair will be held in room 10 at the CVACE campus located at 4430 Alma Avenue.

Alameda County and the Alameda County City-Level Arts Partnership Network. The Arts Commission extends its impact through partnerships with major state-level arts agencies including Californians for the Arts, CREATE CA, and California Arts Council. This collective work at the local level and throughout the state encourages social justice, uplifts our community, and changes our lives for the better. The celebration of Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month provides an opportunity to showcase the rich diversity of artistic and cultural traditions in our community. Everyone

is encouraged to join in the celebration!

The Arts Commission’s arts education program is CREATE Alameda County. In honor of Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, through the CREATE Alameda County program the Arts Commission is distributing 35,000 arts education advocacy activity sheets and paint brushes with partners throughout the County. The sheets have watercolor paint embedded in the paper, so all that is needed is a little water. Major supporters are the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the Alameda County Auditor-Controller/

Clerk-Recorder Agency. Partners include Alameda County Library, Alameda County Community Food Bank, First 5 Alameda County, Oakland Vet Center, CREATE CA, Californians for the Arts and more. A coloring page version of the activity sheet is also available for download from the Arts Commission’s website.

Over 10,000 coloring pages and crayons are distributed annually at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office and other County locations.

To learn more about the Alameda County Arts Commission’s programs, please visit: arts.acgov.org.

2024 Arts, Culture and Creativity proclamation event participants include (from left to right): Theresa Rude, Arts Commission Vice-Chairperson; Rachel Osajima, Arts Commission Director; Nate Miley, President of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors; Lena Tam, County Supervisor; Winda Shimizu, Arts Commission Chairperson; Elisa Márquez, County Supervisor; Keith Carson, County Supervisor; Eileen Dalton, Economic and Civic Development Department Director; Melissa Wilk, Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder; Sandra Rivera, Community Development Agency Director; Kimberly Gasaway, General Services Agency Director; Violet Harlo, Arts Commission Program Coordinator. Appointed Arts Commissioners not in attendance at the event include Megan Fister, Andrea Guskin, Diane Gotanda, Ernest Jolly, Grace Karr, Mina Mangewala, Theresa Navarro, Jody Sahota, Usha Shukla, Margaret Thornberry, Linda Willis and Sawsan Wolski.

Russell: Residents

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She told Russell City’s stories by getting together with director Mimi Chakarova and becoming a producer of “The Apology.” Together, they went through a mass of historical materials and spoke to a number of now-aging former residents, one of whom was Aisha’s father.

Russell City’s residents came to the community because the racial covenants and redlining of the time often prevented them from buying homes elsewhere. Several eventual residents recalled in the film that realtors explicitly pushed Black homebuyers toward Russell City.

There, they found a community without fresh water lines in nor sewage lines out, where main roads were paved, but side streets weren’t, the former residents said. Busses and trains did not serve the community. But it was also a place where different races lived together without rancor and families helped raise each other’s children.

They recalled that there was a good local school, the Russell School, with an excellent teacher and an unusually large school library.

Russell City sat on unincorporated land. First, Alameda County refused to annex them and provide services. Hayward followed suit. The county, in the early 1960s, moved to condemn the land to make way for an industrial park, and residents fiercely defended the community at a series of well-attended public meetings.

Goodbye to the Tropicana

By Thomas Lorentzen SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Despite their historical significance, there are old buildings that must come down. They outlive their purpose and their viability. This is what happened in Las Vegas last week when the famed Tropicana Hotel came to the end of its life. It was the last of the original resorts that was built on the Las Vegas Strip in the late 1950’s. It had a lot of history within its walls. With its demolition, the only history that remains are the memories of those that were a part of that history. It was because of an oddity, that I am one of those individuals from long ago.

of “organized crime.” It needed to end.

This story is shared because it relates to Castro Valley, for this is my hometown and where I live again. To end up in Las Vegas was not on my agenda when I was a young man. Deep inside Las Vegas at the time was a snake pit of nefarious individuals with dark and hidden agendas. They came from places like Chicago, New York, Kansas City, and Cleveland. The Tropicana Hotel was of importance to them.

of us on “the team” and to the victory we earned. There was now a job to be done. He proclaimed a primary objective. It was that the “bad guys” had to go. By “bad guys,” he meant the mob guys. His voice was moderate in tone, yet the message was clear. We then clinked our glasses and repeated the assignment. At the time, the Tropicana Hotel was one of the places where they operated. Little did they know what was going on under one of their own tents.

The county paid families $2,250 each to take and bulldoze their lands under eminent domain laws.

Years later, the first screening of “The Apology” was held in May 2023 in the same Hayward Veterans’ Building where some of those public hearings were held, with today’s county officials invited.

A month later, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors apologized for the county’s destruction of Russell City, citing the film for making them aware of the injustice. The City of Hayward apologized soon

after for its role. Several commissions are looking at ways to fully compensate the former residents and their descendants.

“The Hayward City Council approved the 26 recommendations made by the Hayward Russell City Reparative Justice Project to undo as much harm as possible for the residents and their families,” said Aisha Knowles, who serves on that project. “It is wonderful to have a theater like the Chabot to show the film, and wonderful to see the support from Castro Valley groups and individuals at the screening.”

Mixers: CV Marketplace Merchants

continued from front page from Tony Gemignani’s Slice House, which is expected to open this year. Craftspeople Sumsaara will allow kids and their families to try their decorative wooden puzzles.

Several of the merchants are teaming up to showcase each other’s talents. For example, Seven Hills and Amphora will serve artisan avocado toast. Cordial Bottle Shop will hand out Prosecco spritzers enhanced with balsamic vinegar from Amphora. Barons Quality Meats and the Castro Valley Natural Grocery’s cheese department will provide charcuterie samples.

“When we first opened the Marketplace, we all had a vision of working together and becoming a one-stop shop where people come in, get sim-

ple recipes, and buy everything they need to make a meal with amazing ingredients,” Amphora manager Jen Mann told the Forum. “It’ll be a fun night for everybody to come out and discover something new if they haven’t already tried these vendors.”

There is no entry fee, but donations between $2 and $10 are encouraged. The proceeds will benefit the participating musicians and artists showcasing their work.

Upstairs, Smalltown Society will provide ambient music and curated paintings and sculptures from local artists for people to view.

“We’re super excited to bring more music and art to Castro Valley, and the Marketplace is the premier place in town to do it,” said Smalltown

founder Paul Keim. “We’ve got a great roster of talented folks who can bring a lot of extra life to these events.”

There will also be a special section where families and children are invited to “Make a Mural,” a freestyle painting session on the bare walls in a vacant space upstairs. Paint will be provided.

“Our goal is to activate the space and create an environment where the community can truly experience what the Castro Valley Marketplace is all about,” said Castro Valley Natural Grocery president Donna Layburn. “Our merchants have such wonderful things, and this is a fun way to enjoy them in a way you normally wouldn’t. It’s just a chance to get to know some of the faces of the Marketplace.”

It began in 1978. I took a new job. It required me to move to Las Vegas from Reno. It included an important assignment. It was to foster political competition in Las Vegas. In so doing, my target was to remove the most powerful person in Las Vegas from his position. He was the Sheriff. His family was also the most powerful political family in town. It was a “mission impossible” assignment. Yet, through luck and skill, it was accomplished. At the time a détente governed Las Vegas. The good people of Las Vegas tolerated the bad people. The bad people were, of course, from the world

Before taking the oath of office, the new Sheriff (Commander John McCarthy of Narcotics & Vice at Metro), hosted a small and private gathering at the Tropicana. There were about two dozen of us invited. Since I had taken on the assignment to oust the Sheriff and the one who convinced McCarthy to run, I was a featured guest. That night, John had a special lapel pin made for our “inner team” of five people. He pinned them on each of us, including myself. To me, it was like having the President hang the Congressional Medal of Honor around my neck.

It was in that small room at the Tropicana that McCarthy made a toast. It was to those

There is a lot more to the story, of course. It will end here because of size limitations. It is shared, however, because some individuals once stepped forward to do what needed to be done to clean up Las Vegas. It was a messy and painful experience, particularly for McCarthy. Yet, the job began there that night in a small room at the Tropicana Hotel. Eventually, the mob guys were removed. It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Now and then I put the lapel pin on a suit jacket. As I do, I reflect upon what happened, one night, long ago at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. McCarthy and two others from our “team” are now gone. Now, the Tropicana Hotel is gone. Two of us remain. As the Tropicana goes, so goes the story. It is remembered here, however, and shared with you here in Castro Valley.

SHARING THEIR STORIES: Former Russell City resident James Knowles (left) and his daughter, Aisha Knowles, who produced “The Apology.”

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

CVI Division ‘A’ Padres

Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley Independent Sports League (CVI) Division “A” Padres. The team kicked off the 2024 campaign with timely hitting and strong pitching to accrue 5 wins and 0 losses, including a walk-off win against last

Rotary International Speech Contest: Emilee Doehne Named Semi-Finalist

On April 5, at the Rotary International, Area 4 District 5170’s Richard D. King Memorial Area Speech Contest, Redwood Christian High School’s Emilee Doehne represented the Rotary Club of Castro Valley and was a Semi-Finalist.

This contest provided a fantastic platform for Emilee to demonstrate her talent and express her unique perspectives on the given topic “Create Hope in the World.” The title of Emilee’s speech was “The America of My Youth.”

Emily presented her speech with creativity, passion, and thought-provoking ideas.

Dr. Evan Barnhart, Emily’s speech teacher, was not surprised stating “Emily is an amazing student, well-spoken and always prepared. Our entire student body is extremely proud of her.”

After graduation, Emilee will pursue a life in law enforcement continuing to serve others. Emilee is the daughter of Shawn and Amy Doehne of San Lorenzo.

Doehne

Somerset: Bike Traffic, Pedestrians

continued from front page originate from various sources, such as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, Safer Route 2 School studies, and other safety and corridor studies,” PWC spokesperson Leslie Robertson told the Forum. “These projects are then presented to the affected communities through meetings and seeking input from the relevant MAC.”

While pedestrians will find steady ground, bicycle traffic will share the roads directly with pavement markings and signage—also called a sharrow.

Castro Valley resident Roy Taylor says he’s concerned that vehicle drivers will become impatient with slower bike traffic despite their right to ride in the middle of the road.

“So only one or two things can happen: the vehicle will sit on my tail, or it will try to pass me,” Taylor told the Forum. “California law says when you pass a cyclist, you must give 3 feet of space between you and the cyclist. If a vehicle tries to pass, it will either have to go over the yellow line into the oncoming traffic or come within 6 to 12 inches of me, and that’s a very dangerous situation.”

Last May, the PWA counted cyclists on Somerset for a 24-hour period and found 40 people riding eastbound and 49 riding westbound, with roughly half of those traveling during commute hours (7 to 9am and 2:30 to 4:30pm). Bicycle advocates like Taylor said they would entertain using their bikes more if conditions on Somerset were safer, something only a dedicated bike lane would provide.

Next up for the BPAC is to discuss how to allocate $464,710 in Transportation Development Act (TDA) funding for the fiscal year 2024-2025. Items currently on the table include updating the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, matching funds for a Safety Action Plan, installing pedestrian ramps, and restriping bike lanes at various locations.

The BPAC meets four times yearly on the fourth Thursday of March, June, September, and December. All meetings are virtual except for June, which is in person. The June meeting will be held at the Castro Valley or San Lorenzo Library. Plans, agendas, and recordings of past meetings are available online at: www. acpwa.org/programs-services/ transportation/bike.page?

4-year-old Elliot Hearne caught his first fish at Lake Collins on March 25, 2024. Elliot caught a 15” Rainbow Trout! Elliot is the son of RCS Superintendent Dr. Al Hearne and Megan Hearne of Castro Valley. Have a ‘Great Catch’ you’d like to share with the community? Please send a photo and info by email to: filesforforum@gmail.com

Koo: Improve Situations

continued from page 2

During my school years, I wouldn’t start working on projects and reports until right before it was due. I figured I could take care of it later. As a result of that attitude, I missed out on opportunities to hang out with friends because I was too busy catching up on homework.

From the outside, my physical health, student success, and social life seem completely unrelated. However, with some time to reflect on my overall quality of life, I could see that “taking care of it later” was the common variable influencing my happiness in these areas.

Once I identified it, I was able to start making changes and improve the quality of my life. Compared to my younger days, I have better control of my health (it’s a work in

progress, folks…). I start work earlier, so there’s less stress around deadlines, and I’m intentional about making plans with friends. By making these small adjustments, multiple areas of my life look different.

So I’m curious to hear from you. Do you have any recurring issues in life? If you do, what’s the underlying cause?

If you can identify it, how can you improve the situation?

If you can’t figure it out for yourself, shoot me an email, and let’s see if we can figure something out. You got this.

Coach Kev helps people find calm, clarity, and confidence in their life while working on his weaknesses. Contact him at kevinkoocoaching@gmail. com, or follow on IG and YouTube @kevinkoocoaching and come meditate with him at https://bit.ly/kkcmeditation

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week CVI Division A Padres

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN KOSTER

year’s league champions. Pictured (upper left to right): Colin Fitzgerald, Bradley Stone, David Pimentel, Sebastian Cutchon, Nick Reyes. Lower left to right: Logan Jacobs, Mani Chavez, Gio Meza, Sammy Metcalf, Zachary Koster.

Emilee